Thursday, July 13, 2006

cooking with Nutella

This is for the Jeff over at “C for Cooking” blog. He recently expressed a fondness for Nutella so I thought I would share a fcouple recipes I have found. Nutella is a creamy, hazelnut chocolate spread…….now who ever invented this I bow to you – this stuff is dangerous.It just so happens that Giada DeLaurentis is a big user of Nutella. The girl has a sweet tooth and it annoys me she is just no bigger than a minute. OK back to the task at hand……..Nutella recipes.

Grilled Pineapple with NutellaThis is an adapted version of a recipe that Giada has in her book

Prepare the outdoor barbecue to medium-high heat. If you do not have a barbecue, you can use an indoor grill pan set to medium high heat. Lightly oil the grill. Grill the pineapple slices until heated through and beginning to brown, about 3 minutes per side. It's important to leave the pineapples on the grill, untouched so that you can create the grill marks.While the pineapples are cooking, whisk the mascarpone and vanilla in a small bowl to blend. Set aside.Combine the chocolate-hazelnut spread and cream in a small bowl and stir to combine. Place in a microwave on high for about 2 minutes, stirring every 20 seconds to blend well. Alternatively, you can combine the chocolate-hazelnut spread and cream in a small saucepan, set over low heat, and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring constantly. Heat until satiny smooth and easy to pour, about 3 to 5 minutes.Transfer the pineapple slices to a large platter. Drizzle the warm chocolate-hazelnut sauce over. Dollop the mascarpone mixture atop. Sprinkle with the hazelnuts and serve.I have used pistachio nuts in place of hazelnuts.Now I’m wondering how it would work with firm peaches. Must try that.

When I first saw this I thought a Nutella Sandwich……no way! But try this when you are feeling a bit decadent……….nice big glass of milk………….hellloooooo!!!6 slices (1/2-inch-thick) ciabatta bread 1/2 to 3/4 cup chocolate-hazelnut spread (such as Nutella)Heat a grill pan over medium-high heat. Grill the bread until toasted, about 2 minutes per side. Spread the chocolate-hazelnut spread over 1 piece of toast. Top with the second piece of toast.

Now I'll just waddle on over to theNutella siteand see if they have any interesting ideas. Ya know Nutella would be good drizzled over my peach crepes………………….stay tuna’d

6 comments:

I hate to keep quoteing Giada's recipes but she is about the only one I have seen use Nutella. She did a fried wonton with Nutella. Spread Nutella on half a wonton, fold it over into a triangle and deep fried it. Not tried this one but you could do the same with a puff pastry and bake them....like a tart.....

Isn't Nutella great? It is so versatile. During the winter months when you have a craving for hot chocolate and there's none in the pantry- Nutella to the rescue. Just mix with milk, heat, stir and enjoy.